Spencer Brown begins 2026 with a magical and gorgeous 4-track ‘4 Shades‘ EP. It’s an electrifying new physique of labor featured on Bedrock Data. Notably, the England-based label is understood for its high-impact membership occasions and international roster. It continues to attach the worldwide trance, progressive, home, and techno scenes. Out there on all platforms.
Few artists within the trendy progressive scene command as a lot respect for his or her technical prowess and artistic autonomy as Spencer Brown. Since being championed early in his profession by titans like Avicii and Above & Past, the San Francisco-based producer has advanced from a “prodigy to observe” right into a definitive chief of the “futuristic groove.”
Recognized for his marathon “All Night time Lengthy” units and a refusal to be pigeonholed by style, Brown has spent the final yr additional increasing his sonic footprint. Following the success of his third studio album Equanimity and a string of high-profile 2025 releases on his personal diviine imprint, he has kicked off 2026 with a daring return to John Digweed’s legendary Bedrock Data. Now, along with his newest launch, the ‘4 Shades EP’, he enters a busy 2026 touring schedule. It consists of headlining dates at iconic venues like Montreal’s Stereo. Moreover, there are main pageant appearances at Mission GLOW and Anjunadeep Explorations. Brown continues to bridge the hole between deep, hypnotic techno and peak-time progressive euphoria.
The mission strikes away from the “massive room” hooks of his early profession towards a extra stripped-back, hypnotic sound profile. Every observe serves as a particular “shade” of his present sonic palette—prioritizing regular, evolving grooves over low cost thrills. Subsequent, we’ll assessment the 4 tracks that make up this EP.
Aircraft Acid
The EP opens with a deep dive into the 303 soundscape. ‘Aircraft Acid‘ is way from a relentless “acid techno” thumper; as an alternative, it’s a affected person, 7-minute-plus journey. Spencer makes use of the attribute squelch of the acid line as a rhythmic texture fairly than a lead melody. Thus, this permits it to weave out and in of a crisp, tech-house basis. It’s a observe designed for the two:00 AM transition. The groove must get somewhat bit weirder at the moment.
Aerocity
‘Aerocity‘ acts because the melodic coronary heart of the EP. For followers who miss the “Anjuna-era” Spencer Brown, that is the observe that bridges the hole. It’s constructed on a lush, progressive home construction with a hovering sense of area. True to its title, the observe feels cinematic and “ethereal,” using shimmering synths that float above a driving bassline. It’s arguably probably the most “hopeful” observe on the file and a surefire weapon for sundown units.
Sizzling Pot
Clocking in at a barely increased power degree, ‘Sizzling Pot‘ leans into Spencer’s love for minimal and tribal-infused home. The observe is characterised by its percussive complexity—a “boiling” mixture of rhythmic parts that create a relentless sense of ahead movement. It’s stripped-back and club-focused. Furthermore, it proves that Spencer can command a dance ground with little greater than an ideal kick drum and a handful of well-placed sound results.
Pattaya Dawn
The EP closes with ‘Pattaya Dawn,‘ a observe that seems like the final word “finish of the evening” anthem. It’s barely extra concise than the opposite tracks however carries a heavy emotional weight. With its deep, minor-key melodies and atmospheric pads, it captures that particular feeling of leaving a membership simply because the solar begins to hit the pavement. In consequence, it’s an attractive, brooding conclusion to a launch that proves Spencer Brown is at the moment working on the peak of his artistic powers.
In abstract, the ‘4 Shades EP’ is extra than simply one other launch in Spencer Brown’s prolific catalog; it’s a definitive assertion of the place he stands as an artist in 2026. By returning to Bedrock Data, Brown has aligned himself with the “purity” of the underground. In consequence, he delivers a mission that favors longevity and ambiance over fleeting developments.
For listeners, this EP provides a uncommon versatility: it’s equally at house within the headphones of a late-night traveler as it’s on the sound system of a darkish, packed warehouse. Spencer Brown continues to show that he is among the few producers able to evolving his sound with out ever dropping the “futuristic” soul that made us fall in love along with his music within the first place.
You’ll be able to take heed to Spencer Brown– ‘4 Shades’ EP beneath!
